Youth solon files Magna Carta for Internet users

MANILA -- Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raymond Palatino has filed a proposed Magna Carta for Internet users at the House of Representatives amid controversies over the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Palatino said House Bill 6818 aims to promote and protect the rights of Internet users.

He said his proposed legislation has undergone "extensive consultation" among netizens, information and communication technology groups and other sectors to ensure that it "truly represents the will of Internet users."

Speaking with ANC, Palatino said: "Instead of merely legislating something that will address cybercrime, we should also pass laws that would guarantee Internet freedom and would identify the rights of Internet users."

"We passed this Magna Carta in order to remind the government and the public that laws should not only focus on cybercrime, but we should also pass laws that will expand Internet access and expand our Internet rights," he added.

Some of the basic rights of netizens mentioned in the bill are universal access to the Internet, the right to gather and participate in shared learning and exchange of ideas online, and the right to have quality Internet connection.

The bill also has a list of prohibited acts that would ensure the privacy of Internet users.

These include monitoring or analyzing of data by an Internet service provider without prior knowledge and consent of the user or subscriber, Internet surveillance, and data collection on users by government agencies without a court order.

Palatino said he hopes "this can inspire netizens...to propose more measures that can make our Internet activities more convenient and enjoyable for everybody."